Robotic Bronchoscopy for Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Robotic Bronchoscopy for Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Lung cancer may be identified after an imaging exam reveals nodules or small, unusual areas in the lungs. When this happens, additional evaluation is usually needed to determine whether these findings are benign or cancerous. One important step in this process is obtaining a tissue sample through a biopsy, which helps guide lung cancer treatment decisions.
As part of lung cancer care planning at Saint Francis Healthcare, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy using the ION™ robotic-assisted lung cancer biopsy may be used as a minimally invasive option to help your healthcare provider reach lung nodules and collect tissue samples with greater precision.
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the lungs. It is often first detected through imaging studies that show nodules or other unusual areas. Because imaging alone cannot always determine whether a finding is cancerous, a biopsy may be recommended to collect tissue for further evaluation.
What Are the Signs of Lung Cancer?
In many cases, lung cancer or lung nodules are discovered during imaging performed for screening or evaluation of symptoms. When nodules or small abnormal areas are found, additional testing is often needed to understand what they represent. A biopsy helps determine whether these findings are benign or cancerous.
How Fast Does Lung Cancer Grow?
When lung nodules or abnormalities are identified, timely evaluation is important. Understanding the nature of these findings helps guide next steps in care. Diagnostic tools, including biopsy, play a key role in providing clarity and supporting care planning.
Can a Bronchoscopy Detect Lung Cancer?
Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to access the airways and collect tissue samples from the lungs. In some cases, traditional bronchoscopy methods may be limited, especially when nodules are small or located deep within the lung. For these situations, ION lung biopsy offers a minimally invasive option that helps healthcare providers reach hard-to-access areas of the lung and obtain tissue samples that can support decisions about lung cancer medical treatment.
What Is ION™ Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy?
A robotic lung biopsy using ION is performed through robotic-assisted lung biopsy, which may offer several potential benefits to patients:
- It may help physicians reach lung nodules that are small or located deep within the lung, which can be harder to access with other biopsy methods.
- Compared with traditional percutaneous lung biopsies, this approach is associated with lower complication rates.
- Compared with CT-guided lung biopsy, it may reduce the risk of a collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
- In some cases, more than one lung nodule can be sampled during a single procedure, which may limit the need for additional biopsies.
- Because the biopsy is performed through the airways rather than through the chest wall, it is considered a minimally invasive option.
What to Expect During a Robotic Lung Biopsy
Before the procedure, your physician will discuss potential risks and benefits based on your individual situation. Your care team will provide instructions ahead of time, including guidance during a pre-operative assessment call. Recovery experiences vary. Many patients may be discharged the same day. Your healthcare team will provide individualized discharge instructions, including guidance on returning to daily activities.
During the procedure:
- The robotic catheter is guided through the airways using the planned pathway
- Shape-sensing technology continuously tracks the catheter’s position and shape
- The system provides feedback on location, direction and distance to the target lesion
- Imaging tools such as radial endobronchial ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or cone-beam CT may be used to confirm positioning
- Biopsy tools are advanced through the catheter to collect tissue samples
Comprehensive Lung Cancer Care
At Saint Francis Healthcare in Memphis and Bartlett, TN, robotic lung biopsy is one way we support patients as part of our broader cancer care approach, including evaluation that may help inform early lung cancer treatment. Our care teams work closely together to guide each step with clarity, compassion and attention to your needs. If you have questions or would like to learn more, our team is here to help.